A deer runs out on to the road in front of a car during a Ward Union hunt on December 2nd 2014. See the video footage on the National Animal Rights Association Youtube Channel

The Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, has confirmed that an incident involving a deer running onto a road in front of a vehicle during a Ward Union hunt is currently being investigated by Gardai.

Responding to a Dail Question from Clare Daly, TD in relation to illegal stag hunting, the Minister said that "the specific incident referred to by the Deputy is currently under investigation."

In a separate Dail question, Deputy Daly asked Arts and Heritage Minister, Heather Humprheys to "close off the loophole in existing legislation that is being exploited by the Ward Union Stag Union, to enable them to in effect hunt stags".

Minister Humphreys maintained that "since the enactment of the legislation the Ward Union Hunt have operated a 'drag hunt' in order to comply with the legislation".

"This form of hunting involves the release of a deer to set a scent over a course," she stated. "Following the recapture of the deer, the hounds and horses follow the scent. This practice is not considered to be hunting, as defined in the Wildlife Acts."

According to the Wildlife Amendment Act 2010, "a person who hunts deer with two or more dogs shall be guilty of an offence." If you reside Meath or North County Dublin - areas in which the Ward Union operates - please familiarise yourself with the Wildlife Amendment Act 2010 and report any breaches to the Gardai.

The full text of the Dail questions and answers appears below.

Parliamentary Questions and Answers

Questions 276 - Answered on 9th December, 2014.

Clare Daly, TD (Dublin North, United Left)

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to improve responses from An Garda Síochána to reports made to them by the public regarding illegal stag hunting (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Illegal stag hunting by The Ward Hunt in Summerhill Co Meath on Tuesday 2nd December, reported to Trim station

Minister for Justice and Equality (Frances Fitzgerald)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that all incidents reported to Gardaí are responded to a soon as possible and any complaint made to An Garda Síochána regarding illegal hunting is fully investigated.

I am further informed that the specific incident referred to by the Deputy is currently under investigation.

Questions 504 - Answered on 9th December, 2014.

Clare Daly, TD (Dublin North, United Left)

To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will close off the loophole in existing legislation that is being exploited by the Ward Union Stag Union, to enable them to in effect hunt stags; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys

The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 makes it an offence to hunt deer with two or more dogs. It is understood that since the enactment of the legislation the Ward Union Hunt have operated a “drag hunt” in order to comply with the legislation. This form of hunting involves the release of a deer to set a scent over a course. Following the recapture of the deer, the hounds and horses follow the scent. This practice is not considered to be hunting, as defined in the Wildlife Acts.

ACTION ALERT

According to the Wildlife Amendment Act 2010, "a person who hunts deer with two or more dogs shall be guilty of an offence." If you reside in the area where the Ward Union operates, please familiarise yourself with the Wildlife Amendment Act 2010 and report any breaches to the Gardai.